CASPER, Wyoming – The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is poised to welcome the 2025 Annual Re-Ride of the Pony Express, with riders expected to arrive there between 7-7:30 p.m. MDT today (June 17).

Hosted by the National Pony Express Association (NPEA), the annual Re-Ride brings to life the legendary mid-19th century mail route that connected people from the East with those in California as the first transcontinental telegraph line was being completed. Although the actual Pony Express was only in operation between April 1860 and October 1861, it has become synonymous with the Old West.

According to the NPEA website, the 1,966-mile, eight-state recreation of this event is conducted 24 hours a day over a period of 10 days each June until the mail is delivered to its destination by a series of relay riders averaging 10 mph (just like the original riders).

According to NPEA Stablemaster reports, which can be viewed throughout the event here, the Pony carrying the mochila (mail pouch) passed through the Sweetwater Station exchange (Wyoming) at 4:36 PDT this morning (June 17) and through Jeffrey City at 6:30 a.m. MDT, running right on time.

West to east

In odd years, the Re-Ride is run from Sacramento, California to St. Joseph, Missouri; in even years, it is reversed.

This year’s ride travels west to east. It began June 11 in Sacramento and is scheduled to conclude on June 21 in St. Joseph. More than 700 riders will participate, relaying the mail by horseback and making swift mochila exchanges at designated locations.

Please note, arrival times may vary slightly due to ride conditions. For real-time updates and to follow the Pony’s progress, visit www.nationalponyexpress.org. A full schedule of the ride can be seen here.

You can also track the Pony is real time via a GPS in the mochila at Follow the Ride.

About the NPEA

The National Pony Express Association (NPEA), a non-profit association formed in 1977, is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the Pony Express National Historic Trail, its sites and its history. Its national headquarters is located in Pollock Pines, California.

An all-volunteer, historical organization, the NPEA works to identify, re-establish and mark the original pony express trail from St. Joseph, Missouri, via Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and into California.